Second Victim of Southend Plane Crash Named as ‘Fantastic’ German Paramedic and Father Dr Matthias Eyl
The second victim of the Southend Airport plane crash has been named as Dr Matthias Eyl, a 46-year-old German emergency doctor, paramedic, and devoted father, as a multi-agency investigation into Sunday’s tragic crash continues.
Dr Eyl, from Kleinmaischeid in western Germany, was among the four foreign nationals killed when a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air aircraft crashed just moments after takeoff at 3:48pm on Sunday, erupting into a fireball within the airport boundary.
He was onboard in his professional capacity, working as part of an international medivac team.
Tributes from Germany and Beyond
The German Red Cross paid an emotional tribute to Dr Eyl, describing him as a man of warmth, humour, and integrity:
“Matthias has been in service with us over many years: as a doctor, comrade, and friend. With his warm, honest, and humorous nature, he has not only provided medical assistance, but shaped our community… We lose not only a reliable doctor, but above all a special person.”
Dr Eyl was also employed by Globalmed, a German medical transport company. In a joint statement, the firm said:
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic loss of two of our dear medical colleagues and friends… Their dedication, warmth, and friendship will be deeply missed.”
A Team Lost in Tragedy
Dr Eyl was travelling with Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, a 31-year-old Chilean-born German nurse, on what was reportedly her first day on the job. Both perished in the crash alongside two Dutch pilots, one of whom was a colleague with KLM.
KLM confirmed the loss in a statement:
“Among the four deceased individuals is also a KLM colleague. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families.”
The aircraft, operated by Zeusch Aviation and based in the Netherlands, had landed at Southend earlier that day after flights from Athens and Pula, before preparing to return to its base. It had reportedly just dropped off a patient before takeoff.
Investigation Underway
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is leading the probe into the cause of the crash. Early eyewitness accounts describe the plane banking sharply to the left before nosediving into the ground.
Airport visitor John Johnson, who witnessed the crash, told reporters:
“It took off and about three or four seconds later it started to bank heavily to its left, then inverted and crashed headfirst into the ground. There was a big fireball.”
Essex Police confirmed that all four onboard were killed, and said the victims are believed to be non-UK nationals. Formal identifications and next of kin notifications are ongoing.
Political Reaction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the victims, saying:
“Terrible news that four people tragically lost their lives in yesterday’s plane crash at Southend Airport. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones.”
Airport Remains Closed
Southend Airport remains closed to air traffic while investigations continue. CEO Jude Winstanley praised emergency services for their response, saying:
“Our staff are working closely with air accident investigators to support their work. I would like to thank all teams involved for their hard work during this difficult time.”
Default Heading H2
Read more from Southend-on-Sea.
